Robert W. Partain III, who dedicated nearly 43 years of service to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO), passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, surrounded by his wife and son..
Partain, who rose to the rank of Colonel, left a lasting legacy in the sheriff’s office. The RCSO Robert W. Partain III Range & Armory at the county’s training center is named in his honor.
Partain began his career with RCSO on the road patrol before moving to the traffic division and, later, the narcotics division. He served as narcotics commander for decades and was known as the driving force behind major narcotics and gang cases during his tenure.
Pat Clayton, former RCSO chief deputy and ex-special agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, praised Partain for his tireless work in combating drug abuse and gang activity in Augusta.
“He could see the devastation drugs were causing in our neighborhoods, and he worked relentlessly to remove them from the streets,” Clayton said.
Partain was also instrumental in the expansion and renovation of the RCSO training center, which now includes multiple buildings thanks to his efforts.
“The colonel saved the county hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars,” Clayton added.
Despite being diagnosed with bone cancer about a decade ago, Partain continued working while receiving treatment, retiring in August 2021. He lived long enough to see the birth of his only grandchild.
Micah Mullins Partain paid tribute to her father-in-law on Facebook: “He fought a battle with cancer for as long as I’ve known him, and now he can finally rest. He was in awe of his grandson and wanted nothing more than to watch him grow. My son will forever know about his Gpop and the legacy he left.”
Bo Chavous also shared a tribute: “RIP to another legend of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Dept. Robert Partain. You and my dad are definitely already busting up some bad guys in the afterlife!”
Clayton described Partain as “a man’s man and a cop’s cop,” and his memory will forever be cherished by those who worked alongside him.
Sheriff Gino Brantley and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said they were “saddened to announce the passing of retired Colonel Robert Partain.” They sent out this announcement:
Colonel Partain began his career with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office in 1978, dedicating himself to protecting and serving our community. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1982 and reached the rank of colonel in 2013. After 43 years of unwavering service, he retired in 2021, at which time the RCSO Range & Armory at the Training Facility was named in his honor.
Colonel Partain spent many years in narcotics, working tirelessly to combat drugs and violent crime in our area. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to law enforcement left a lasting impact on the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens he served. He will be deeply missed by many.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Our thoughts and prayers are with Colonel Partain’s family, friends, and all those who had the honor of serving alongside him.
